A few years ago, when I was first getting hooked on releases from International Anthem, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how exciting a record with just harp and bass could be. That one, from Derzon Douglas on bass and Brandee Younger on harp ws a signal of great stuff to come. Now, Brandee Younger is here with her new album, Gadabout Season, her second solo release on the legendary Impulse Records imprint.
The title cut is lovely, a breeze of an idea or two grabbed and pursued like leaves in the wind, Brandee's harp suggesting, as always, progression forward. That one features guest Shabaka (Hutchings, from Sons of Kemet). He's also on the excellent "End Means", a bright, fusion-flavored composition which recalls portions of the clarnetist and flutist's own album, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace, where Brandee guested too. "Reflection Eternal" opens with a lively pattern, Allan Mednard's drums holding things down, until Brandee's harp takes us on a journey. Her harp creates shades and textures here that are both light and dark. There's emotion in the quiet places, and an undeniably energy in the flourishes. Elsewhere, "New Pinnacle" recalls the best work from Laraaji, the elengant lines of the melody bringing ripples of listening pleasure. "Surrender", a genuine highlight here, finds pianist Courtney Bryan and Brandee Younger in a kind of friendly competition, the keyboard and harp answering each other as the melody spirals up.
Gadabout Season is jazz for folks who might be afraid of it. Brandee Younger has a unique way of using her chosen instrument to convey not only beauty, but a sense of musical exploration. The improvisation here is rooted in the classic jazz of this record label, but the results are so wildly engaging and lovely, that a lot of folks will be engaged with this who might not otherwise keep pace with the traditions of the form. Brandee Younger, especially on Gadabout Season, continues to lay claim to being the best jazz harpist today.
Gadabout Season by Brandee Younger is out now via Impulse Records.
[Photo: Erin Patrice O'Brien]